REFERRED TO VASAP OR CCP BY THE COURT?

Some Tips to Help Keep You Out of Jail

By: Buta Biberaj

Your Future is Within Your Control
The judges in Loudoun believe that you and you alone are responsible for doing everything that is required of you by the Court. Blaming problems on your probation officer or counselor will not be well received. If you are unsure about your obligations, ask. If you haven't heard from your probation officer, call them yourself. If you are unsure about whether you have to be at your appointment or not, go anyway.

Keep your Appointments
People constantly fail to go to their appointments because they lack the funds to enroll in the program. Not having the money is not a valid excuse for missing an appointment. In fact, there are few, if any, reasons that are a valid excuse for missing an appointment. Go. If you don't go, your case will be returned to court, and a jail sentence may be imposed.

Don't Use Mind Altering Substances Before your Meetings - or at All
The worst thing you can do after being referred to VASAP or CCP for drug or alcohol use is to use drugs or alcohol.  The Court will deal with you harshly. The judges find such behavior inexcusable.

Keep your Address Current
Notices are mailed to participants in the VASAP and CCP programs. If you don't receive the notices because your address is incorrect, you will quickly find yourself standing in front of a judge on a Rule to Show Cause, trying to explain to the judge why you should not go to jail. Don't put yourself in that situation - update your address and telephone information each time there is a change.

The Financial Dilemna
The judges view of the financial hardship of VASAP and CCP participation is very simple: If a person has enough money to get gas in the car and alcohol or drugs in their system, then they can find a way to pay for the program. Deal with it. WARNING: Non-payment of VASAP fees could result in you losing your restricted license and being removed from the program!

Restricted Licenses
Are exactly that. If you get a restricted license, your legal obligation is to follow it's conditions to the letter. Any places that you are permitted to drive to must always be by the most direct route. You are not permitted to go off course to the grocery store or any other place. If you are convicted of driving outside the restrictions on your license, you can be jailed and lose ALL driving privileges. Driving on suspended is the charge that sends more people to jail than any other charge in the General District Court!

Please, think before acting. Don't let your own poor choices be responsible for putting you in jail.

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Disclaimer: This information is intended for general interest only. It is not intended to be nor should it be deemed as legal advice. Please consult with one of our experienced attorneys at Biberaj & Snow for the best advice specific to your needs.